Cone closure apparatus and related methods

ABSTRACT

A cone closure apparatus for production of smoking articles includes: (a) a frame; and (b) at least one cone holder supported by the frame and extending along an axis. The cone holder has a lower grip surface for applying a rotational force about the axis to an outer surface of a lower filled portion of a cone received in the cone holder. The cone having an upper empty portion disposed above the lower filled portion and protruding clear of the lower grip surface to receive a counter-rotational force about the axis, in a direction opposite the rotational force. The closure apparatus further includes (c) a drive supported by the frame for applying at least one of the rotational force and the counter-rotational force to twist the upper empty portion closed when the drive is energized.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/391,505, filed on Apr. 23, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/661,348 filed Apr.23, 2018; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/809,998 filed Feb.25, 2019; U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/810,010 filed Feb.25, 2019; and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/810,017 filedFeb. 25, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The specification relates generally to production of smoking articles,and more specifically, to apparatuses and methods for the closure offilled cones in production of conical smoking articles.

2. Description of Related Art

U.S. Pat. Pub. App. No. 20170119043 A1 (Swanson et al.) discloses aone-at-a-time cigarette forming device, including a hollow truncatedconical wrapper holder having a top end and a bottom end and a conicallyshaped hollow interior tapering from the top end to the bottom end. Thetop and bottom ends are open. An elongate plunger or tamper shaft havinga tamper head on a lower end and sized to insert fully into the wrapperholder's hollow interior is coupled to a cap and stored inside thewrapper holder when not in use.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to variousaspects of the applicant's teaching, but not to define any invention.

According to some aspects, a cone closure apparatus for production ofsmoking articles includes: (a) a frame; and (b) at least one cone holdersupported by the frame and extending along an axis. The cone holder hasa lower grip surface for applying a rotational force about the axis toan outer surface of a lower filled portion of a cone received in thecone holder. The cone has an upper empty portion disposed above thelower filled portion and protruding clear of the lower grip surface toreceive a counter-rotational force about the axis, in a directionopposite the rotational force. The apparatus further includes (c) adrive supported by the frame for applying at least one of the rotationalforce and the counter-rotational force to twist the upper empty portionclosed when the drive is energized.

In some examples, the drive comprises a lower drive coupled to the coneholder, and the lower drive, when energized, urges rotation of the lowergrip surface and the lower filled portion of the cone engaged thereby.

In some examples, the counter-rotational force comprises generallyinhibiting rotation of the upper empty portion of the cone about theaxis during rotation of the lower filled portion of the cone.

In some examples, the lower drive comprises a torque limiter to limitthe rotational force to an amount no greater than that necessary tocomplete the twist closure, thereby inhibiting over twisting the cone.In some examples, the torque limiter comprises a clutch. In someexamples, the torque limiter comprises an electronic sensor coupled tothe drive, the sensor detecting an increase in torque required to rotatethe lower grip surface as the upper empty portion becomes fully twistedabout the axis. In some examples, a speed at which the lower gripsurface rotates is adjustable.

In some examples, the upper empty portion is accessible by a hand of anoperator for applying the counter-rotational force.

In some examples, the apparatus further comprises an upper grippersupported by the frame. The upper gripper is movable between a retractedposition in which the upper gripper is clear of the upper empty portionof the cone, and an advanced position in which the upper gripper engagesthe upper empty portion of the cone to apply the counter-rotationalforce.

In some examples, the upper gripper comprises at least two jaws. Thejaws have opposed upper grip surfaces, and the jaws are movable betweenopen and closed positions. Moving the upper gripper to the advancedposition comprises moving the jaws from the open position, in which theupper grip surfaces are spaced apart to receive the upper empty portionof the cone there between in a generally uncollapsed condition, to theclosed position, in which the upper grip surfaces are drawn together tocollapse the upper empty portion of the cone toward the axis and applythe counter-rotational force.

In some examples, the upper gripper is vertically translatable between araised position and a lowered position, and moving the gripper to theadvanced positon comprises moving the gripper to the lowered position.

In some examples, the apparatus comprises an upper gripper supported bythe frame, the upper gripper movable between a retracted position inwhich the upper gripper is clear of the upper empty portion of the cone,and an advanced position in which the upper gripper engages the upperempty portion of the cone to apply the counter-rotational force. In someexamples, the drive comprises an upper drive coupled to the uppergripper. The upper drive, when energized, urges counter-rotation of theupper gripper about the axis and the upper filled portion of the coneengaged thereby.

In some examples, the rotational force comprises generally inhibitingrotation of the lower filled portion of the cone relative to the frameduring counter-rotation of the upper empty portion of the cone.

In some examples, the lower grip surface is generally conical, having ataper angle that matches a taper angle of the cone.

In some examples, the lower grip surface has an axial extent thatextends between a bottom end and a top end. The top end is at anelevation below a fill level of the cone, and the bottom end is belowthe top end.

In some examples, the cone holder is a selected cone holder from a groupof interchangeable cone holders. The group of interchangeable coneholders include the selected cone holder and one or more other coneholders. The one or more other cone holders have respective other gripsurfaces with at least one of a different taper angle and a differentaxial extent suitable for use with a different cone having differentgeometrical dimensions than the cone received in the selected coneholder.

In some examples, the apparatus further comprises a trimming devicesupported by the frame. The trimming device includes a cutter movablefrom a retracted position spaced apart from the twisted upper end of thecone to an advanced positon in which the cutter engages the twistedupper end of the cone axially above the filled lower portion of the coneto trim the twisted upper end to a desired length.

According to some aspects, a method of closing a cone containingsmokable product in production of smoking articles comprises: (a)inserting the cone into a cone holder having an axis, the cone holderhaving a lower grip surface for gripping an outer surface of a lowerfilled portion of the cone, the cone having an upper empty portiondisposed above the lower filled portion and protruding clear of thelower grip surface; (b) energizing a drive coupled to the cone holder,the drive applying a rotational force about the axis to the lower filledportion of the cone via the lower grip surface; and (c) during step (b),applying a counter-rotational force about the axis to the upper emptyportion of the cone to twist the upper empty portion closed.

In some examples, the counter-rotational force includes inhibitingrotation of the upper empty portion of the cone about the axis.

In some examples, the counter-rotational force is applied by a hand ofan operator.

In some examples, the counter-rotational force is applied by opposedupper grip surfaces of a mechanical gripper moved from a retractedposition to an advanced position.

According to some aspects, a cone closure apparatus for production ofsmoking articles comprises: (a) a frame; (b) at least one cone holdersupported by the frame and having a cavity extending along an axis forreceiving a lower filled portion of a cone, the cone having an upperempty portion disposed above the lower filled portion and protrudingclear of the cone holder; and (c) a set of jaws supported by the frame.The jaws are movable between open and closed positions. The jaws areclear of the cavity and cone received therein when in the open position.The jaws overlie the cavity when in the closed position. When the coneis received in the cavity, the upper empty portion of the cone is foldeddownward against the lower filled portion to close the cone when thejaws move from the open position to the closed position.

In some examples, each jaw is pivotable about a respective jaw pivotaxis for pivotal movement between the open and closed positions.

In some examples, the apparatus further comprises a respective jawactuator coupled to each jaw for moving the respective jaw between theopen and closed positions. In some examples, the apparatus furthercomprises a controller configured to operate each actuator to move thejaws from the open position to the closed position sequentially aboutthe circumference of the cavity.

In some examples, the set of jaws comprises six jaws arrangedcircumferentially about the cavity.

According to some aspects, a method of closing a cone containingsmokable product in production of smoking articles, comprises: (a)inserting a cone having a lower filled portion filled with smokableproduct into a cavity of a cone holder, the cone having an upper emptyportion above the lower filled portion and protruding clear of the coneholder; and (b) folding the upper empty portion downward against thelower filled portion by moving a plurality of jaws from an open positionin which the jaws are clear of the cavity to a closed positon in whichthe jaws overlie the cavity.

In some examples, the plurality of jaws are arranged circumferentiallyaround the cavity, and step (b) comprises urging the jaws to theadvanced position one at a time in sequence about the circumference ofthe cavity.

In some examples, the method further comprises measuring a closing forceapplied by the jaws against the lower filled portion when moved towardthe closed position and arresting further movement of the jaws upondetecting a closing force in excess of a pre-determined value.

According to some aspects, a method of closing a cone containingsmokable product in production of smoking articles, comprises: (a)gripping a lower filled portion of a cone with a lower grip surface of acone holder, the cone having an upper empty portion disposed above thelower filled portion and protruding clear of the lower grip surface; (b)gripping the upper empty portion with an upper grip surface; and (c)counter-rotating the upper empty portion relative to the lower filledportion by energizing a drive to rotate one of the upper grip surfaceand the lower grip surface about an axis and inhibiting rotation of theother of the upper grip surface and the lower grip surface about theaxis to twist the upper empty portion closed.

In some examples, step (b) comprises gripping the upper empty portionwith a hand of an operator.

In some examples, step (b) comprises gripping the upper empty portionwith a mechanical gripper.

In some examples, energizing the drive rotates the lower grip surfaceabout the axis and rotation of the upper grip surface about the axis isinhibited.

In some examples, energizing the drive rotates the upper grip surfaceabout the axis and rotation of the lower grip surface about the axis isinhibited.

Additional aspects of the invention, together with the advantages andnovel features appurtenant thereto, will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learnedfrom the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of theinvention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalitiesand combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples ofarticles, methods, and apparatuses of the present specification and arenot intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way. In thedrawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example conical smoking article;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example cone for manufacture of thesmoking article of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the cone of FIG. 2, taken alongline 2A-2A of FIG. 2;

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view like that of FIG. 2A, showing the conefilled with a smokable product;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an example process for production ofconical smoking articles like that of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an example cone closure apparatus foruse with the process of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 4, taken alongline 5-5 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a partially exploded view of the apparatus of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 4holding a cone with an open upper portion;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view like that of FIG. 7A, with the upperportion of the cone being gripped;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view like that of FIG. 7A, with the cone havinga closed upper portion;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation cross-sectional view of a group ofinterchangeable cone holders for the apparatus of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 4 holding acone having a closed upper end and with the apparatus including anoptional trimming device in a retracted configuration;

FIG. 9B is a side elevation view like that of FIG. 9A, and with thetrimming device in an advanced configuration;

FIG. 9C is a side elevation view like that of FIG. 9A, and with thetrimming device in the retracted configuration and the closed upper endof the cone trimmed;

FIG. 10 is a front elevation view of another example cone closureapparatus;

FIG. 11 is a front elevation view of another example cone closureapparatus;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of another example cone closureapparatus;

FIG. 12B is a side elevation view of the apparatus of FIG. 12A with aframe casing removed;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing an example process for closing a conecontaining smokable product in production of smoking articles;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of another example cone closure apparatusin an open configuration;

FIG. 14B is a perspective view like that of FIG. 14A and with theapparatus in an intermediate configuration;

FIG. 14C is a perspective view like that of FIG. 14A and with theapparatus in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing another example process for closing acone containing smokable product in production of smoking articles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide anexample of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodimentdescribed below limits any claimed invention and any claimed inventionmay cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those describedbelow. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses orprocesses having all of the features of any one apparatus or processdescribed below or to features common to multiple or all of theapparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or processdescribed below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Anyinvention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that isnot claimed in this document may be the subject matter of anotherprotective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, andthe applicants, inventors, or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim,or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in thisdocument.

Smoking articles having a conical shape, like that of the examplesmoking article 10 shown in FIG. 1, are popular among a variety ofusers, including, for example, cannabis users. Smoking articles having aconical shape are typically hand-made, or otherwise produced in small,labor-intensive batches. In contrast, cylindrical smoking articles, suchas traditional tobacco cigarettes, are often manufactured in high volumeproduction systems with a high degree of sophisticated automation. Butthe difference in shape, among other reasons, can render the processesand apparatus of such automated systems inapplicable to conically shapedsmoking articles such as the article 10.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the example illustrated, the examplesmoking article 10 is formed using a cone 12. The cone 12 is formed of asmokable wrapper 16 having a cone cavity 18 for receiving and containinga smokable product 30 (FIG. 2B). In the example illustrated, the wrapper16 is generally air impermeable, and the smokable product 30 is agranular product. In some examples, the cone 12 can be preassembled andthe cone cavity 18 can be subsequently filled with the smokable product30. The smokable product 30 can be prepared via chopping, grinding,and/or sifting of a bulk smoking material. The bulk smoking material caninclude, for example, dried cannabis plant material, and the smokableproduct 30 can include cannabis granules.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in the example illustrated, the cone cavity 18extends along a cone cavity axis 20 between an upper end 22 and a lowerend 24 opposite the upper end 22. In the example illustrated, thewrapper 16 has an upper end diameter 22 a at the upper end 22 of thecavity 18 and a lower end diameter 24 a at the lower end 24 of thecavity 18. The lower end diameter 24 a is smaller than the upper enddiameter 22 a, and the wrapper 16 tapers radially inwardly along thecavity axis 20 from the upper end diameter 22 a to the lower enddiameter 24 a to provide the cone 12 with a generally conical shape. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 2A, the upper end 22 of the cavity 18 isopen for permitting filling of the cavity 18 with the smokable product30. In the example illustrated, the cone 12 includes a filter 26 in thecavity 18 adjacent the lower end 24. The filter 26 can help to providestructural stability to the smoking article 10, and can help inhibitsmokable product 30 in the cavity 18 from escaping through the lower end24.

Referring to FIG. 3, an example process 50 for production of conicalsmoking articles is shown, and will be described with respect to theexample smoking article 10.

At step 55 of the process 50, a plurality of the cones 12 are staged forfilling with the smokable product. The cones 12 can be staged by, forexample, being positioned in a pallet with the open upper ends 22directed upwardly for receiving the smokable product.

At step 60, the staged cones 12 are filled with the smokable product 30through respective open upper ends 22 of each cone 12. The cones 12 canbe filled while held in the pallet.

At step 65, the smokable product 30 in the cones 12 is compacted. Thesmokable product can be compacted while the cones 12 are held in thepallet. Referring to FIG. 2B, after the smokable product 30 iscompacted, the cone 12 has a lower filled portion 32 filled with thesmokable product 30 and an upper empty portion 34 disposed above thelower filled portion 32. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2B, thelower filled portion 32 extends between the lower end 24 of the cone 12to an upper surface 36 of the smokable product 30, and the upper emptyportion 34 extends between the upper surface 36 of the smokable product30 and the upper end 22 of the cone 12. The upper empty portion 34 canhave an axial extent of, for example, about 10 mm between the uppersurface 36 of the smokable product 30 and the upper end 22 of the cone12.

At step 70, in the example illustrated, the upper end 22 of the cavity18 is closed to close the filled cone 12, the closed cone inhibiting thesmokable product from escaping from the cavity 18, and forming thefinished smoking article 10. In some examples, the cone 12 is closed bytwisting the upper empty portion 34 of the cone 12 relative to the lowerfilled portion 32, thereby closing the upper end 22 of the cavity 18 andforming a twisted upper end 38 (FIG. 1) of the smoking article 10. Thecone 12 can be closed while held in cone holders (or cavities) of thepallet, or one or more of the cones 12 can be transferred from thepallet to a separate cone holder to facilitate closure of the cones 12.

After step 70, if the twisted upper end 38 is longer than desired, itcan be trimmed by trimming device while still being held in the coneholders (or cavities) of the pallet. In some examples, the cone, orcones 12, can be removed by hand, the upper gripper 1130, a differentgripper, or a robotic arm, moved to a trimming station, and trimmedthere. The cone, or cones 12, may then be removed by hand, the uppergripper 1130, a different gripper, or a robotic arm, moved to apackaging station.

At step 75, the smoking articles 10 can be packaged for shipment and/orsale.

Referring to FIG. 4, an example cone closing apparatus 100 for useduring the cone closing step 70 is shown, and will be described withrespect to the example cone 12 of FIGS. 2-2B.

Referring also to FIG. 5, in the example illustrated, the apparatus 100includes a frame 102 and at least one cone holder 106 supported by theframe 102 and extending along an axis 108. The cone holder 106 has alower grip surface 110 for applying a rotational force 112 (FIG. 7B)about the axis 108 to an outer surface 40 (FIG. 6) of the lower filledportion 32 of a cone 12 received in the cone holder 106. The upper emptyportion 34 of the cone 12 protrudes clear of the lower grip surface 110to receive a counter-rotational force 114 (FIG. 7B) about the axis 108,in a direction opposite the rotational force 112. Referring to FIG. 8,in the example illustrated, the lower grip surface 110 has an axialextent 111 that extends between a top end 111 a and a bottom end 111 b.The top end 111 a of the axial extent 111 is at an elevation below theupper surface 36 (or fill level) of the smokable product 30 in the cone12 (FIG. 2B), and the bottom end 111 b of the axial extent is below thetop end 111 a.

Referring to FIG. 5, in the example illustrated, the apparatus furtherincludes a drive 116 supported by the frame 102 for applying at leastone of the rotational force 112 and the counter-rotational force 114 totwist the upper empty portion 34 closed when the drive 116 is energized.In the example illustrated, the drive 116 comprises an electric motor.In the example illustrated, the drive 116 includes a lower drive 118coupled to the cone holder 106. The lower drive 118, when energized,urges rotation of the lower grip surface 110 and the lower filledportion 32 of the cone 12 engaged by the lower grip surface 110. In theexample illustrated, the lower drive 118 is generally below the coneholder 106 and has an output shaft axis that is generally coaxial withthe axis 108.

In the example illustrated, the lower drive 118 comprises a torquelimiter 120 to limit the rotational force 112 to an amount no greaterthan that necessary to complete the twist closure, thereby inhibitingover twisting the cone 12. In the example illustrated, the torquelimiter 120 comprises a clutch. In some examples, the torque limiter 120can include an electronic sensor coupled to the drive 116, and thesensor can be configured to detect an increase in torque required torotate the lower grip surface 110 as the upper empty portion 34 of thecone 12 becomes fully twisted about the axis 108. In some examples, aspeed at which the lower grip surface 110 rotates is adjustable. Inanother preferred embodiment the user's fingers, while pinching the coneto cause the counter-rotational twist, function as a clutch and sensor,thereby releasing/applying a counter-rotational force, that issufficient to complete the closure, but not tear the cone.

Referring to FIG. 7B, in the example illustrated, the counter-rotationalforce 114 comprises generally inhibiting rotation of the upper emptyportion 34 of the cone 12 about the axis 108 during rotation of thelower filled portion 32 of the cone 12. In the example illustrated, theupper empty portion 34 is gripped by an upper gripping surface toinhibit rotation of the upper empty portion 34 about the axis 108. Inthe example illustrated, the upper empty portion 34 is accessible by ahand 121 of an operator for applying the counter-rotational force (viagripping the upper empty portion 34).

Referring to FIG. 8, in the example illustrated, the cone holder 106 ofFIGS. 4-6 is a selected cone holder 106 a from a group ofinterchangeable cone holders 106. In the example illustrated, the groupof interchangeable cone holders 106 include the selected cone holder 106a and one or more other cone holders 106 b, 106 c. The selected coneholder 106 a has a selected grip surface 110 a, and the one or moreother cone holders 106 b, 106 c have respective other grip surfaces 110b, 110 c with at least one of a different taper angle, a differentdiameter, and a different axial extent suitable for use with a differentcone having different geometrical dimensions than the cone 12 receivedin the selected cone holder 106 a.

Referring to FIG. 6, in the example illustrated, the frame 102 has areceiver 104 with a cavity 105 configured to receive any one of theinterchangeable cone holders 106. In some examples, each type of coneholder 106 may have one or more indicators readable by a control systemof the apparatus 100 when the cone holder is installed to automaticallyselect operating parameters (e.g. rotation speed, torque limit, etc.)suitable for that type of cone holder 106.

Referring to FIG. 9A to 9C, the apparatus 100 can optionally include atrimming device 122 supported by the frame 102. In the exampleillustrated, the trimming device 122 includes a cutter 124 (shownschematically in FIG. 9A) movable from a retracted position (FIG. 9A)spaced apart from the twisted upper end 38 of the cone 12 to an advancedpositon (FIG. 9B) in which the cutter 124 engages the twisted upper end38 of the cone 12 to trim the twisted upper end 38 to a desired length.The cutter 124 can include, for example, a blade, scissors, a cigar-typecutter, a rotatable cutting wheel, and/or any other type of suitablecutter.

Referring to FIG. 10, another example closure apparatus 1100 is shown.The apparatus 1100 has similarities to the apparatus 100, and likefeatures are identified with like reference characters, incremented by1000.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 1100 includes a frame 1102 andat least one cone holder 1106 supported by the frame 1102. The coneholder 1106 has a lower grip surface (like the grip surface 110) forapplying a rotational force about an axis 1108 to an outer surface 40(FIG. 2B) of the lower filled portion 32 (FIG. 2B) of a cone 12 receivedin the cone holder 1106. When the cone 12 is positioned in the coneholder 1106, the upper empty portion 34 (FIG. 2B) of the cone 12protrudes clear of the lower grip surface to receive acounter-rotational force about the axis 1108, in a direction oppositethe rotational force.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 1100 further includes a drive1116 (shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 10) supported by theframe 1102 for applying at least one of the rotational force and thecounter-rotational force to twist the upper empty portion 34 closed whenthe drive 1116 is energized (for forming the twisted upper end 38 shownin FIG. 10). In the example illustrated, the drive 1116 includes a lowerdrive 1118 (shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 10) coupled tothe cone holder 1106. The lower drive 1118, when energized, urgesrotation of the lower grip surface of the cone holder 1106 and the lowerfilled portion 32 of the cone 12 engaged by the lower grip surface.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 1100 includes an upper gripper1130 supported by the frame 1102. The upper gripper 1130 is movablebetween a retracted position in which the upper gripper 1130 is clear ofthe upper empty portion 34 of the cone 12, and an advanced position inwhich the upper gripper 1130 engages the upper empty portion 34 of thecone 12 to apply the counter-rotational force.

In the example illustrated, the upper gripper 1130 includes at least twojaws 1132. The jaws 1132 have opposed upper grip surfaces 1134, and thejaws 1132 are movable between open and closed positions. In the exampleillustrated, moving the upper gripper 1130 to the advanced positionincludes moving the jaws from the open position, in which the upper gripsurfaces 1134 are spaced apart to receive the upper empty portion 34 ofthe cone 12 therebetween in a generally uncollapsed condition (e.g. asshown in FIG. 2B), to the closed position, in which the upper gripsurfaces 1134 are drawn together to collapse the upper empty portion 34of the cone 12 toward the axis 1108 and apply the counter-rotationalforce.

In the example illustrated, the upper gripper 1130 is verticallytranslatable between a raised position distal the cone 12 and a loweredposition proximate the cone 12. In the example illustrated, moving thegripper 1130 to the advanced positon comprises moving the gripper 1130to the lowered position. In some examples, the gripper 1130 cancomprise, for example, an electromechanical system operable by acontroller based on, for example, sensor feedback. In some examples, thegripper 1130 can comprise, for example, a robotic system with sensors(e.g. a machine vision system) to facilitate calibration, operation,and/or adjustment of the gripper 1130.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 1100 further includes adisplay 1136 supported by the frame 1102. The display 1136 may be usedto, for example, output data relating to operation of the apparatus 1100(e.g. rotational speed, stage of operation, etc.), receive user inputfor calibration, operation, and/or adjustment of the apparatus 1100,and/or to otherwise facilitate control and/or feedback with respect tothe apparatus 1100.

Referring to FIG. 11, another example closure apparatus 2100 is shown.The apparatus 2100 has similarities to the apparatus 1100, and likefeatures are identified with like reference characters, incremented by1000.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 2100 includes a frame 2102 andat least one cone holder 2106 supported by the frame 2102. The coneholder 2106 has a lower grip surface (like the grip surface 110) forapplying a rotational force about an axis 2108 to an outer surface 40(FIG. 2B) of the lower filled portion 32 (FIG. 2B) of a cone 12 receivedin the cone holder 2106. The upper empty portion 34 (FIG. 2B) of thecone 12 protrudes clear of the lower grip surface to receive acounter-rotational force about the axis 2108, in a direction oppositethe rotational force. In the example illustrated, the apparatus 2100further includes a drive 2116 (shown schematically in dashed lines inFIG. 11) supported by the frame 2102 for applying at least one of therotational force and the counter-rotational force to twist the upperempty portion 34 closed when the drive 2116 is energized (for formingthe twisted upper end 38 shown in FIG. 11).

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 2100 includes an upper gripper2130 supported by the frame 2102. The upper gripper 2130 is movablebetween a retracted position in which the upper gripper 2130 is clear ofthe upper empty portion 34 of the cone 12, and an advanced position inwhich the upper gripper 2130 engages the upper empty portion 34 of thecone 12 to apply the counter-rotational force.

In the example illustrated, the drive 2116 comprises an upper drive 2138(shown schematically in dashed lines in FIG. 11) coupled to the uppergripper 2130. The upper drive 2138, when energized, urgescounter-rotation of the upper gripper 2130 about the axis 2108 and theupper empty portion 34 of the cone 12 engaged thereby. In the exampleillustrated, the rotational force comprises generally inhibitingrotation of the lower filled portion 32 of the cone 12 relative to theframe 2102 (via engagement with the lower grip surface of the coneholder 2106) during counter-rotation of the upper empty portion 34 ofthe cone 12 (via rotation of the upper gripper 2130 when in an advancedposition). In another example, it is conceived that within the scope ofthis invention, a device with both an upper drive similar to 2116 or2138 and lower drive similar to 1116 or 1118 can work cooperatively toprovide a rotational and counter rotational force to close the cone.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, another example closure apparatus 3100is shown. The apparatus 3100 has similarities to the apparatus 100, andlike features are identified with like reference characters, incrementedby 3000.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 3100 includes a frame 3102 andat least one cone holder 3106 supported by the frame 3102 and extendingalong an axis 3108. The cone holder 3106 has a lower grip surface 3110for applying a rotational force about the axis 3108 to an outer surface40 (FIG. 2B) of the lower filled portion 32 (FIG. 2B) of a cone 12 (FIG.2B) received in the cone holder 3106. When the cone 12 is in the coneholder 3106, the upper empty portion 34 (FIG. 2B) of the cone 12protrudes clear of the lower grip surface 3110 to receive acounter-rotational force about the axis 3108, in a direction oppositethe rotational force.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 3100 includes a drive 3116supported by the frame 3102 for applying at least one of the rotationalforce and the counter-rotational force to twist the upper empty portion34 closed when the drive 3116 is energized. In the example illustrated,the drive 3116 includes a lower drive 3118 coupled to the cone holder3106. The lower drive 3118, when energized, urges rotation of the lowergrip surface 3110 and the lower filled portion 32 of the cone 12 engagedby the lower grip surface 3110. In the example illustrated, the lowerdrive 3118 is generally horizontally offset from the cone holder 3106and has an output shaft axis oriented generally horizontally(perpendicular to the axis 3108, which is generally vertical).

Referring to FIG. 13, an example process 300 of closing a conecontaining smokable product in production of smoking articles is shown,and will be described mainly with respect to the apparatus 100.

At step 310 of the process 300, the lower filled portion 32 of a cone 12is gripped with the lower grip surface 110 of the cone holder 106, andthe upper empty portion 34 of the cone 12 is disposed above the lowerfilled portion 32 and protrudes clear of the lower grip surface 110.

At step 320, the upper empty portion 34 is gripped with an upper gripsurface. When the process 300 is used with an apparatus similar to, forexample, apparatus 100 or 3100, step 320 can include gripping the upperempty portion 34 with a hand of an operator. When the process 300 isused with an apparatus similar to, for example, apparatus 1100 or 2100,step 320 can include gripping the upper empty portion 34 with amechanical gripper (e.g. gripper 1130 or 2130).

At step 330, the upper empty portion 34 is counter-rotated relative tothe lower filled portion 32 by energizing a drive (e.g. drive 116) torotate one of the upper grip surface and the lower grip surface about anaxis (e.g. axis 108) and inhibiting rotation of the other of the uppergrip surface and the lower grip surface about the axis to twist theupper empty portion 34 closed. When the process 300 is used with anapparatus similar to, for example, the apparatus 100, 1100, or 3100,energizing the drive rotates the lower grip surface about the axis androtation of the upper grip surface about the axis is inhibited. When theprocess 300 is used with an apparatus similar to, for example, theapparatus 2100, energizing the drive rotates the upper grip surfaceabout the axis and rotation of the lower grip surface about the axis isinhibited.

Referring to FIG. 14A, another example cone closure apparatus 4100 isshown. The apparatus 4100 has similarities to the apparatus 100, andlike features are identified with like reference characters, incrementedby 4000.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 4100 includes a frame 4102 andat least one cone holder 4106 supported by the frame 4102. The coneholder 4106 has a cavity 4140 extending along an axis 4108 for receivinga lower filled portion 32 (FIG. 2B) of a cone 12 having an upper emptyportion 34 (FIG. 2B) disposed above the lower filled portion 32 andprotruding clear of the cone holder 4106.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 4100 includes a set of jaws4142 supported by the frame 4102. Referring to FIGS. 14A to 14C, thejaws 4142 are movable between open and closed positions. Referring toFIG. 14A, when the jaws 4142 are in the open position, the jaws 4142 areclear of the cavity 4140 and the cone 12 can be received in the cavity4140. Referring to FIG. 14C, when in the closed position, the jaws 4142overlie the cavity 4140. When the cone 12 is received in the cavity 4140and the jaws 4142 are moved from the open position to the closedposition, the jaws 4142 fold the upper empty portion 34 of the cone 12downward against the lower filled portion 32 to close the cone 12. Inthe example illustrated, the set of jaws 4142 comprises six jaws 4142arranged circumferentially about the cavity 4140. Referring to FIG. 14A,in the example illustrated, each jaw 4142 is pivotable about arespective jaw pivot axis 4144 for pivotal movement between the open andclosed positions.

In the example illustrated, the apparatus 4100 includes a jaw actuator4146 coupled to each jaw 4142 for moving the respective jaw 4142 betweenthe open and closed positions. In the example illustrated, the jawactuator 4146 comprises a carriage 4148 vertically translatable relativeto the frame 4102 for moving the jaws 4142 between the open and closedpositions.

In some examples, the apparatus 4100 can include a respective jawactuator coupled to each jaw 4142 for moving the respective jaw 4142between the open and closed positions. In some examples, the apparatus4100 can include a controller configured to operate the respective jawactuators to move the jaws 4142 from the open position to the closedposition sequentially about the circumference of the cavity 4140.

Referring to FIG. 15, an example process 400 of closing a conecontaining smokable product in production of smoking articles is shown,and will be described with respect to the apparatus 4100.

At step 410 of the process 400, a cone 12 having a lower filled portion32 filled with smokable product 30 is inserted into the cavity 4140 ofthe cone holder 4106. The cone 12 has an upper empty portion 34 abovethe lower filled portion 32 and protruding clear of the cone holder4106.

At step 420, the upper empty portion 34 is folded downwardly against thelower filled portion 32 by moving the plurality of jaws 4142 from theopen position in which the jaws 4142 are clear of the cavity 4140 to theclosed positon in which the jaws 4142 overlie the cavity 4140.

In the example illustrated, the plurality of jaws 4142 are arrangedcircumferentially around the cavity 4140, and in some examples, step 420can include urging the jaws 4142 to the advanced position one at a timein sequence about the circumference of the cavity 4140.

In some examples, the process 400 can further include measuring aclosing force applied by the jaws 4142 against the lower filled portion32 when the jaws 4142 are moved toward the closed position and arrestingfurther movement of the jaws 4142 upon detecting a closing force inexcess of a pre-determined value.

In some examples, the cone holder 106 continuously turns/spins (notstopping at the end of the twist). The user Drops the cone into thealready spinning holder, applies a force to twist, applies increasedforce to grip while pulling up to remove the cone. Then grabs a newempty cone and inserts in into the already spinning cone holder 106,repeating the process until the desired number of cones have beenprocessed.

From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to attain all ends and objectives herein-above set forth,together with the other advantages which are obvious and which areinherent to the invention.

Since many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that allmatters herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings are to beinterpreted as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.

While specific embodiments have been shown and discussed, variousmodifications may of course be made, and the invention is not limited tothe specific forms or arrangement of parts and steps described herein,except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims.Further, it will be understood that certain features and subcombinationsare of utility and may be employed without reference to other featuresand subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope ofthe claims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is asfollows:
 1. A cone closure apparatus for production of smoking articles,comprising: a) a frame; b) at least one cone holder supported by theframe and having a cavity extending along an axis for receiving a lowerfilled portion of a cone, the cone having an upper empty portiondisposed above the lower filled portion and protruding clear of the coneholder; c) a set of jaws supported by the frame, the jaws movablebetween open and closed positions, the jaws clear of the cavity and conereceived therein when in the open position, and the jaws overlying thecavity when in the closed position, wherein the upper empty portion ofthe cone is folded downward against the lower filled portion to closethe cone when the jaws move from the open position to the closedposition.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each jaw is pivotableabout a respective jaw pivot axis for pivotal movement between the openand closed positions.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of jaw actuators, each jaw actuator being coupled to one ofthe jaws for moving the respective jaw between the open and closedpositions.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising a controllerconfigured to operate each jaw actuator to move the jaws from the openposition to the closed position sequentially about the circumference ofthe cavity.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of jawscomprises six jaws arranged circumferentially about the cavity.
 6. Amethod of closing a cone containing smokable product in production ofsmoking articles, the method comprising: a) inserting a cone having alower filled portion filled with smokable product into a cavity of acone holder, the cone having an upper empty portion above the lowerfilled portion and protruding clear of the cone holder; and b) foldingthe upper empty portion downward against the lower filled portion bymoving a plurality of jaws from an open position in which the jaws areclear of the cavity to a closed positon in which the jaws overlie thecavity.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of jaws arearranged circumferentially around the cavity, and step (b) comprisesurging the jaws to the closed position one at a time in sequence aboutthe circumference of the cavity.
 8. The method of claim 6, furthercomprising measuring a closing force applied by the jaws against thelower filled portion when moved toward the closed position and arrestingfurther movement of the jaws upon detecting a closing force in excess ofa pre-determined value.